by chance

phrase

: in the haphazard course of events

they met by chance

Examples of by chance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most neutrinos pass invisibly through IceCube, but by chance a few of them will smash into a proton or neutron in the ice, releasing a shower of high-energy electrons, photons and other particles the detectors can see. — Tyce Deyoung, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

These mutations aren’t necessarily inherited; instead they can be caused by certain exposures, or simply by chance. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

There is at least one natural streak in the image — a meteor at centre, caught by chance on one frame. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Charles Lago became owner of Fat Elephants Records by chance. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for by chance

• advance
• askance
• enhance
• expanse
• finance
• freelance
• mischance
• perchance
• romance
• circumstance
• esperance
• exceedance